Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump for extending Diwali greetings during a recent phone conversation, emphasizing the importance of India and the United States working together to combat terrorism and spread hope.
“Thank you, President Trump, for your phone call and warm Diwali greetings. On this festival of lights, may our two great democracies continue to illuminate the world with hope and stand united against terrorism in all its forms,” Modi wrote in an online post early Wednesday.
His remarks carry added weight as Washington moves closer to Islamabad — a country long accused by India of supporting and exporting terrorism.
The message followed Trump’s Diwali event at the White House, where he lit a ceremonial lamp and confirmed speaking with Modi earlier in the day. “We had a great conversation. We talked about trade and a lot of things, but mostly the world of trade,” Trump said, calling Modi a “great friend” and noting that both countries are working on “some great deals.”
The Diwali celebration was attended by Indian Ambassador Vinay Kwatra, FBI chief Kash Patel, intelligence head Tulsi Gabbard, U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, and several Indian-American business leaders.
During the event, Trump reiterated his controversial claim that Modi had assured him India would reduce oil imports from Russia and that he had personally helped prevent conflict between India and Pakistan earlier this year. “We have no war with Pakistan and India — that was a very, very good thing,” he said, framing the development as part of his broader push for global peace.
However, the Indian government swiftly dismissed Trump’s previous assertions of such interventions. In a separate statement on energy policy, New Delhi clarified that its top priority remains protecting Indian consumers amid volatile global oil markets, without referencing Trump directly.
Trump also spoke of wanting to see an end to the Russia–Ukraine war, insisting that reduced Indian oil purchases from Moscow would “cut off funds” to Russia’s military campaign.
Lighting a diya in his Oval Office, Trump said Diwali symbolized “faith in the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.” He praised Indian culture and diversity, with Ambassador Kwatra calling the event “a testament to the shared values of democracy and harmony” between the two nations.
As both leaders exchange festive goodwill, Modi’s subtle yet pointed reference to “standing united against terrorism” underscores India’s ongoing concern over U.S. outreach to Pakistan — a reminder that even amid celebration, the geopolitics of South Asia remain complex.